The Shit No One Tells You About Writing

In this week’s episode, Bianca connects with novelist Laura Resau. Laura provides an insightful outlook regarding her transition from writing for young audiences to authoring her inaugural adult novel, ‘The Alchemy of Flowers.’ She offers profound insights into her writing methodology, emphasizing the criticality of a persuasive query letter and the impact of title revisions in the publishing domain. Furthermore, Laura addresses the complexities inherent in genre fusion, the elaborate nature of world-building, and the indispensable role of meticulous research in achieving verisimilitude. 

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, literary agents Carly and CeCe return with insightful feedback on query letters, focusing on commercial women’s fiction and book club fiction. They celebrate Bianca’s exciting book launch and dive deep into the craft of storytelling—discussing character development, emotional resonance, and the vital role of originality in fiction. This episode also highlights the importance of clearly conveying conflict and stakes in query letters, offering practical tips for writers looking to capture an agent’s attention.

Don’t miss this powerful reading from ‘Let Us Play.’ Harrison Brown opens up about his r...

In this exciting episode of Books with Hooks, debut author Tali Shammas steps into the spotlight to share her query letter for her genre-blending novel ‘The Color of Blood’—a bold mix of horror, romance, and razor-sharp feminist themes. The hosts dive into an engaging discussion on social justice in fiction, the power of a strong hook, and how to clearly define your audience. They dissect the manuscript’s opening pages, exploring tone, character depth, and what makes a first line unforgettable. Plus, they wrap up with actionable marketing tips and a look at Tali’s inspiring writing journey.

Don’t...

In this engaging conversation, Bianca interviews debut author Lidija Hilje. Her articles and essays were published in the New York Times, and other outlets. She runs a book club for writers with a membership of close to 100, and is an active member of the WFWA.The authors discuss her novel 'Slanting Towards the Sea,' exploring themes of literary citizenship, the writing process, and the emotional depth of her characters. Lidija shares her journey from being a book coach to a published author, the challenges of writing in a foreign setting, and the importance of emotional truth in storytelling...

In part one of this month’s bonus episode, Bianca Marais chats with New York Times bestselling author Lucy Foley about her shift from historical fiction to gripping thrillers. They dive into the essential role of setting, atmosphere, and character development in her novels, and Lucy shares how she builds suspense and keeps readers guessing with techniques like unreliable narrators and meticulous editing.

In part two, CeCe Lyra sits down with Dr. Courtney Tracy, a.k.a. ‘The Truth Doctor’, for an honest conversation about the writing journey behind her new book. From choosing to write it hersel...

In this exciting episode of Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly sit down with Casey, winner of the Masana Literary Project Fundraiser, to chat about her debut novel, ‘The Break of Light.’ The hosts dive deep into Casey’s query letter, unpacking the story’s emotional layers, compelling plot, and rich character dynamics. CeCe and Carly offer sharp insights on upping the narrative stakes—with tips on mastering causality, embracing messy emotions, and building a vivid, believable world. From the protagonist’s urgent quest to save her best friend to the crucial first pages, this episode is packed with craft t...

In this inspiring interview, Bianca connects with debut author Aisling Rawle and dives into ‘The Compound’—a dark, gripping tale set in the twisted world of reality TV. She opens up about her unconventional path to publishing, the pivotal role her literary agent played, and the novel’s central themes of desire, materialism, and social critique. Aisling unpacks her approach to character development and reflects on the lasting influence of Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ on her work. From creative inspiration to industry insight, this discussion reveals the raw truth about writing, ambition, and the unpredictable road to literary success.

Note: Car...

Pop the champagne—it’s the 200th episode of Books with Hooks! Join hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe as they celebrate this major milestone with signature style and sharp writing advice. In this special segment, they dive into two fresh submissions: a gripping crime thriller and a thought-provoking book club novel. Carly and CeCe deliver expert feedback on character depth, narrative hooks, and story structure, while highlighting the power of perspective in storytelling. Packed with practical tips and inspiring insights, this celebratory episode is a must-listen for any writer looking to level up their query game and storytelling craft.

In this special episode, CeCe Lyra sits down with our very own Bianca Marais to explore her writing journey, with a spotlight on her latest novel, ‘A Most Puzzling Murder.’ If you’re not already familiar with her work, Bianca is the bestselling author of ‘The Witches of Moonshyne Manor’, the beloved novels ‘Hum If You Don’t Know the Words’ and ‘If You Want to Make God Laugh’, and the Audible Original ‘The Prynne Viper’. She has also taught creative writing at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, where she received an Excellence in Teaching Award.

In this candi...

In this special episode of Books with Hooks, author Kate Visser joins hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe to share insights about her query letter for her YA fantasy novel, 'Stage of Shadows.' Carly and Cece dissect the strengths and weaknesses of Kate’s pitch, particularly focusing on character arcs, world-building, and the complexities of dual POV narratives. Carly and Cece provide constructive feedback, emphasizing the importance of clarity in storytelling and the need for the protagonist’s character arc to evolve throughout the narrative. The episode highlights the challenges of balancing ambitious concepts with reader engagement, offering valuable less...

In the first part of this month’s bonus episode, Carly Watters interviews Anna Mitchael, an accomplished author and copywriter. Anna discusses her writing journey, experiences in magazine publishing, and the art of storytelling through vignettes. They discuss the importance of building relationships in the writing community, the unique format of vignettes in Anna's latest book, and the nuances of ghostwriting. Anna shares her insights on creativity, overcoming fear, and the challenges of the publishing process, offering valuable advice for aspiring writers. Carly and Anna explore the complexities of personal triggers, the challenges of storytelling, and the realities of th...

In this eye-opening episode, Bianca Marais interviews Jessica Guerrieri, author of 'Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.' They discuss Jessica's journey from teaching special education to becoming a published author, her experiences with addiction recovery, and the evolution of her debut novel. They discuss the intricacies of writing, the importance of feedback, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. Jessica shares her insights on the writing process, the significance of point of view, and the role of beta readers in shaping her work. The episode concludes with Jessica's journey to landing an agent and securing...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, Bianca, CeCe, and Carly dive into a YA fantasy romance query, breaking down what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to character arcs, high stakes, and spot-on comp titles. The hosts then shift gears to a picture book query, spotlighting the power of a strong hook and truly kid-focused storytelling. Packed with sharp insights and actionable feedback, this episode is a must-listen for writers ready to level up their queries and take on the publishing world.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literar...

In part one of this week's author interviews, Bianca sits down with Canadian superstar writer, Carley Fortune. The authors discuss her latest novel 'One Golden Summer', reflecting on her creative process, the challenges of writing under pressure, and the importance of character development. She shares insights into navigating reader expectations and the personal struggles that influence her writing. The discussion highlights the beauty of books as objects and the emotional depth required to create compelling narratives.

In the second part of this week’s episode Bianca connects with former television producer and debut novelist, Sue Hincenbergs. Sue sh...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, CeCe, and Carly first review a query letter for literary fiction, providing insights on emotional depth in character relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in plot points and the importance of avoiding the blank canvas protagonist so readers can be engaged and connect with them. The second query letter is for a historical novel. The hosts discuss its title, plot structure, and the effectiveness of its opening pages. The conversation emphasizes the need for strong character connections, clear narrative goals, and the balance between description and story progression.<...

In the first part of this bonus episode, Bianca interviews Lauren Ling Brown, author of 'Society of Lies.' They discuss Lauren’s journey to publication, the intricacies of writing dual perspectives and timelines, and the importance of social commentary in her work. Lauren shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of character development, and the impact of being selected for Reese's Book Club. The discussion highlights the significance of crafting a compelling prologue and the emotional stakes involved in the characters' relationships.

Finally, Emilie Sommer from East City Bookshop answers all your burning comp title qu...

In this informative author interview, Bianca connects with debut novelist Sarah Damoff to discuss her novel, ‘The Bright Years’ which explores the complexities of family dynamics and addiction.

Sarah shares her journey through the publishing landscape, the challenges of finding the right agent, the ingenious query hack she used, and the evolution of her novel's structure. The conversation touches on the themes of generational trauma and the impact of addiction, as well as the importance of line-level writing, including the use of similes and metaphors. Sarah's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring writers and readers alike.

No...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra welcome querying author Debbie Whittall to discuss her query letter for her debut novel, 'Linda/Linda.' Carly and CeCe address the challenges of representing a quiet novel in a query format. The discussion transitions to the pages of the manuscript, highlighting the strengths of Debbie's writing and the need for a more engaging presentation of her story's drama. The critique discusses the complexities of character relationships, particularly focusing on characters in Debbie’s novel. The hosts offer advice on exploring themes of sapphic ro...

In the first part of this episode, Bianca interviews Ann Napolitano, inspiring Oprah Book Club pick author of Hello Beautiful.  During the multi-layered interview, Ann shares her journey as a writer, discussing the long path to publication, the importance of perseverance, and the role of gratitude in her success. She reflects on her experiences with rejection, the joy of writing, and the challenges of maintaining discipline in a writing career. Ann shares her insights on the writing process, the importance of beta readers, and the challenges of crafting character depth. She shares her unique approach to storytelling, including the r...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe discuss the importance of clarity in storytelling, character development, and the need for emotional depth in writing. The conversation emphasizes the significance of engaging openings and the necessity of establishing strong connections between plot points. They also offer great tips like avoiding starting with stage directions in the opening line and that a strong opening scene should have a disruption.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the...

In the first part of this month’s bonus episode, Carly Watters interviews Bailey Hannah, a Canadian romance author known for her ‘Wells Ranch’ series. They talk about Bailey’s experience with going from self-publishing to traditional publishing, the importance of quality editing, and the impact of social media platforms like BookTok on author success. Bailey shares insights into her writing process, the emotional connections she forms with readers at conventions, and her inspirations as a writer. Near the end of the interview, Bailey offers valuable advice for aspiring authors to simply write their stories.

The conversation shifts w...

In this inspiring author interview, Bianca interviews Kath Jonathan, whose debut novel, 'The Resistance Painter', intertwines historical and contemporary narratives. They discuss Kath’s journey as a writer, and the personal challenges she faced, including health issues, over the twelve years she spent writing her novel.

The authors chat about the evolution of a novel from start to finish, and how important it is to learn to let go along the way. Kath also elaborates on her journey as an older author and publishing later in life. The conversation touches on the significance of historical fiction in un...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe welcome special guest, literary agent, Lauren Spieller to discuss query letters in romance and fantasy genres. The hosts discuss the distinctions between Young Adult and Adult Fantasy, and the dynamics of character relationships. Lauren provides insightful critiques on a submitted query letter and its opening pages, emphasizing the need for clarity, tension, and character depth. The hosts continue to talk about the intricacies of character development, particularly focusing on the protagonist's depth and emotional projection. The panel discusses a high concept query that intertwines elements of romance...

Warning: mature content.

In this insightful segment that will make you laugh out loud, Bianca interviews New York Times best-selling writer, Lamda Literary Award finalist and Shearling Fellowship recipient, Kristen Arnett, the author of 'Stop Me If You've Heard This One.' They discuss the unique aspects of Kristen's writing process, including her extensive research, character development, and the importance of humor and surprise in storytelling. Kristen shares insights into her creative journey, the intentional structure of her chapters, and the significance of character insights in connecting with readers. The episode also features a reading from her...

In this episode of Books with Hooks, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe dive into the intricacies of middle grade fantasy submissions. They discuss a query about a fantasy novel featuring a cat protagonist, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and the stakes involved in the narrative. The conversation shifts to critiques of character development, emotional stakes, and the importance of world-building in storytelling. The hosts provide valuable insights into writing style, narrative perspective, and the significance of grounding readers in the emotional experiences of characters. The episode concludes with a new query submission, focusing on a contemporary young adult speculative...

In this engaging conversation, Bianca, interviews New York Times bestselling author Gillian McAllister. The author’s explore Gillian’s writing process, narrative techniques, and character development. Bianca and Gillian chat about the challenges of writing multi-POV novels, the organic twists that emerge during the writing process, and the importance of character occupations in driving the plot. Gillian shares insights into her unique approach to storytelling, emphasizing the alchemy of writing and the depth of her characters.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not...

In the first engaging conversation of this bonus episode, Bianca interviews Booker Prize-nominated Charlotte Wood, the acclaimed author of Stone Yard Devotional. They delve into the challenges of writing quiet stories, the significance of visitations in the narrative, and the intentional choices behind the unnamed narrator. Wood discusses her unique diary style, the themes of guilt, shame, and forgiveness, and the power of anecdotes in storytelling. The conversation highlights the importance of specificity and emotional depth in literary fiction, providing insights into the writing process and the complexities of character development.

Next, Bianca interviews Karen Thompson Walker, a...

In this segment of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly and CeCe discuss a gothic horror novel submission as well as a psychological thriller.

They highlight the importance of starting a story in the right place, the challenges of multi-POV narratives, and the need for clarity in character perspectives. The critique emphasizes the balance between emotional depth and curiosity in storytelling. The hosts discuss the challenges of originality and character development in psychological thrillers; while navigating the complexities of writing compelling protagonists, particularly those with darker traits.

The discussion also emphasizes the need for curiosity-inducing plots...

In today’s author interview, Bianca chats with Sarah Chihaya about her memoir, Bibliophobia.

During the conversation, they explore the profound impact of literature on identity and mental health. Sarah also reflects on her journey as a reader and writer, the complexities of navigating personal narratives, and the challenges of writing about trauma. 

The discussion delves into the significance of 'Life-Ruiner' books, the transition from academic writing to memoir, and the role of humor as a defense mechanism, and whether that helps or hinders storytelling.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agen...

In this segment of Books with Hooks, Bianca, Carly and Cece discuss a memoir submission as well as a speculative thriller submission.

They highlight the importance of balancing plot points with emotional depth; the significance of character development through interior monologue; how character arcs are crucial in memoir writing; the importance of building tension throughout the narrative; how the query letter should focus on plot points rather than just vibes; and the need for curiosity in opening pages. 

The hosts emphasize the delicate dance between withholding and revealing information in storytelling, and the necessity of g...

In this engaging conversation, Bianca interviews Allegra Goodman about her latest novel, Isola, exploring themes of storytelling, character development, and the writing process.

Goodman discusses her journey as a writer, the importance of writing what interests you, and the challenges of crafting a historical narrative. The discussion delves into the role of voice, perspective, and the economy of language in literary fiction, as well as the collaborative relationship between authors and editors.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated w...

In January’s bonus episode, Bianca and Emilie Sommer from East City Book Bookshop tackle a variety of book recommendations based on listener comp requests.

If you’re looking for our usual Q&A segment, that now gets published as part of our end of the month Substack newsletter. Subscribe to get access to that, and so much more: https://theshitaboutwriting.substack.com/

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affiliated with the agency, and the views expressed by Carly and...

In this Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe delve into two query letters from aspiring authors. 

The hosts discuss how negotiation can leak tension in storytelling; why character relationships should drive the narrative; how world-building should enhance character development; why queries for retellings need to focus on unique story angles; and avoiding namesplaining in character introductions.

CeCe also swipes Carly’s submission because she loved it so much!

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Literary Agency, but their work on this podcast is not affi...

In this engaging author interview, Bianca chats with Karissa Chen about her debut novel, Homeseeking.

During the conversation, they explore the inspiration behind the story, the extensive research that was required before Karissa could begin writing, and the challenges of navigating language and cultural identity in literature.

Karissa shares her journey to publication, the integral role that music plays in framing her narrative, and her thoughts on the responsibilities of writers to their readers.

They also discuss the magic that can arise when you allow yourself to “pants” characterization, and how doing so can...

In this Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly and CeCe welcome listeners to a new year of writing while they reflect on their critiquing journey over the past four years. 

They dive into the critique of two query letters, focusing on the importance of connection, character motivations, and cinematic elements in storytelling. The conversation also explores the dynamics of campus novels and the significance of compelling hooks in narratives. 

They also discuss how psychological acuity is the child of interiority and emotionality, and CeCe declares her query to be the best she’s seen on t...

In today’s episode, Bianca interviews Emmy award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Kate Fagan, about her debut novel, The Three Lives of Cate Kay.

Kate shares how she originally came to listen to the podcast, as well as the details of her journey to publication (which included querying podcast host, Carly Watters). 

Bianca and Kate go on to discuss the unique structure of the novel that reads like a memoir featuring multiple POVs. Kate shares insights on the creative process behind her ambitious storytelling and how she played to her strengths as a writer. She del...

In today’s Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe provide feedback on two query letters, one for historical fiction and the other for historical fantasy.

They discuss the importance of character development, plot clarity, and the balance between world-building and emotional engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for specificity in storytelling and the challenges of writing historical and fantasy fiction.

The hosts also explore the significance of themes versus plot in selling a book, and the complexities of crafting effective prologues.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at...

In today’s author interview, Bianca interviews Jessica Waite about her memoir, The Widow's Guide to Dead Bastards.

Jessica discusses her writing journey as a form of healing, the challenges of the publishing process, and the complexities of grief. They also discuss the intentional choices behind the book's structure, the use of present tense, and the importance of dramatizing scenes to engage readers, as well as Jessica’s tips for bringing memories vividly to life on the page.

The conversation concludes with insights on the realities of post-publication life for memoirists.

Note: Carly Watte...

In today’s Books with Hooks segment, hosts Bianca, Carly, and CeCe analyze two query letters, one for an upmarket novel and one for women’s fiction, providing insights on character development, prologues, and the importance of clarity in storytelling.

The discussion emphasizes the need for movement in narratives and the balance between internal conflict and external action.

The hosts offer constructive feedback to aspiring authors, highlighting the significance of engaging openings and the necessity of grounding stories in specific contexts.

Note: Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents at P.S. Liter...

In this engaging author interview, Bianca chats with Sarah Hawley to discuss her journey as a fantasy and paranormal romance author, focusing on her latest novel, Servant of Earth. Sarah shares insights into the writing process, the importance of character-driven narratives, and the nuances of defining genres like romantasy.

The discussion also delves into world-building, the challenges of plotting a series, and the intersection of political themes within fantasy writing.

Sarah emphasizes the significance of personal experiences in shaping her stories and encourages writers to embrace their unique voices and writing processes.

Note: C...